

Guru Viking Podcast
Guru Viking
The Guru Viking Podcast specializes in in-depth interviews with remarkable figures in the world of meditation, spirituality, and self development.
Steve travels internationally teaching somatic practices and meditation, and leads explorations in contemplative, mystic, & relational realms.
Steve travels internationally teaching somatic practices and meditation, and leads explorations in contemplative, mystic, & relational realms.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 16, 2021 • 1h 16min
Ep91: Dark Side of the Dharma - Anna Lutkajtis
In this episode I am joined by Anna Lutkajtis author of ‘Dark Side of the Dharma: Meditation, Madness, and Other Maladies on the Contemplative Path’.
Anna is a postgraduate researcher at the University of Sydney who’s research focuses on mysticism, the dark night of the soul, and the healing potential of altered states of consciousness.
We learn how Anna’s own existential crisis saw her embark on a spiritual quest, including deep exploration of meditation and yoga, and close contact with pragmatic dharma teachers Daniel Ingram and Kenneth Folk.
Anna reveals where a senior teacher placed her on the 4-path model of enlightenment, and why that framework is no longer the focus of her personal practice.
We also discuss Anna’s research into adverse meditation effects, explore three different theories of the dark night of the soul, and consider the friction points between enlightenment and psychological health.
Anna then asks me about my experience sharing meditation with others and we discuss my interests in the parallels between mindfulness and mainstream Christianity, the mechanisms of religious conversion, and the pros and cons of intensive retreat.
…
Video version available at: https://www.guruviking.com/ep91-anna-lutkajtis-dark-side-of-the-dharma/
Episode also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
…
Topics Include:
00:00 - Intro
01:10 - Anna’s meditation history
04:38 - Encountering Daniel Ingram and Kenneth Folk
09:53 - Personal outcome of working 1-1 with Kenneth Folk
11:03 - Fire kasina practice and yoga asana
11:40 - Anna’s fire kasina story
15:56 - Anna’s ‘relentless seeking phase’
16:57 - Perspective on the 4-path model
19:22 - Who diagnosed Anna’s path attainments and on what basis?
20:59 - Anna’s dark night, depression, and Daniel Ingram’s help
24:59 - 3 different dark night theories
29:40 - Scripting and experience construction
33:36 - Why are adverse meditation effects ignored?
36:00 - Religious vs psychological friction points
40:18 - Bikkhu Analayo’s critique
42:57 - Defining ‘adverse effects’
44:53 - Trauma and adverse meditation effects
45:51 - Pros and cons of intensive retreat
48:03 - Frequency of adverse meditation effects
52:29 - The goals of practice
55:21 - Further definitions and variables
1:00:02 - Spiritual but not religious?
1:03:32 - Mindfulness as a religious movement
1:05:17 - Peak experiences and religious conversion
1:07:20 - Dangers of psychedelic-assisted therapy
1:07:50 - Encountering resistance during research and publication
1:11:51 - Anna’s psychedelic research
1:12:25 - The life-cycle of the mindfulness trend
...
Buy Anna’s book with discount code DS20 (valid until 4/30/21):
- USA https://redwheelweiser.com/detail.html?id=9781913504595
- UK https://www.aeonbooks.co.uk/product/the-dark-side-of-dharma-meditation-madness-and-other-maladies-on-the-contemplative-path/94921/
To find our more about Anna Ludkajtis, visit:
- https://annalutkajtis.com/
For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

Apr 9, 2021 • 1h 23min
Ep90: Nocturnal Meditation - Andrew Holecek
In this episode I am joined by Andrew Holecek, author, spiritual teacher, and expert on lucid dreaming and the Tibetan yogas of dream and sleep.
In this interview, Andrew reveals his childhood fascination with the occult, including seances, Ouija boards, and channellers such as Edgar Cayce and Jane Roberts.
We learn how a series of powerful spiritual openings set Andrew on a quest into the world’s mystical traditions, eventually to find a home in the practices of Tibetan Buddhism.
Andrew discusses the limitations of scientific materialism, the similarities and differences between his training as a concert pianist and the discipline of meditation, and gives a lucid dreaming primer for those in lockdown.
Andrew also shares his thinking on the role of lineage in religion, the recent scandals in the Buddhist tradition, and reflects on his own departure from the controversial religious organisation Shambala after decades of study.
…
Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep90-andrew-holecek-nocturnal-meditation/
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
…
Topics Include:
0:00 - Intro
01:30 - Childhood interest in the occult
04:09 - Edgar Cayce and Jane Roberts’ Seth Material
06:05 - Powerful experience with Transcendental Meditation
07:24 - Practicing seances and using ouija boards
11:16 - Inspiration from the Kung Fu TV series
13:27 - Dimensional travel and contacting entities in lucid dreams
18:39 - Is ‘the West’ equivalent to scientific materialism?
28:53 - Similarities and differences between Andrew’s concert piano training and meditation
32:54 - Lucidity is the natural state
37:07 - Andrew’s profound spiritual opening into rigpa
40:30 - Post-awakening crash
43:19 - Conversion to Buddhism
44:44 - Reasons for leaving Shambala
46:50 - Travels in Asia and connecting to teachers
50:28 - Studies in non-dual Shaiva tantra
51:28 - Why is lineage backing important?
58:48 - Does Andrew have lineage backing?
1:02:53 - Seeing problems in Shambala and deciding to leave
1:07:15 - Andrew’s reflections on abuse by spiritual teachers
1:10:35 - Andrew’s lockdown lucid dreaming guide
1:20:58 - The Night Club 3.0
…
To find our more about Andrew Holecek, visit:
- https://www.andrewholecek.com/
- https://nightclub.andrewholecek.com/
For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
…

Apr 6, 2021 • 58min
Steve James Interviewed By Dan Doty
In June 2020 I was interviewed for the second time by Dan Doty of DanDoty.com.
Topics include:
0:00 - Living on a boat
2:59 - ‘Is Steve living the dream?’
05:51 - Steve’s premonition
08:04 - A strange dream
12:00 - Unravelling and thinning out
15:12 -Steve’s practice approach
19:00 - Service and attention
22:38 - Being in shape
25:08 - Braindump on how to get a daily practice
31:51 - Confidence and tasting the result
36:43 - Different types of meditation
43:48 - Men, helping, and society
Dan is known around the world for his work with men and his latest online offering is 'Ring of Fire', a 5 month mastermind for men's coaches: http://dandoty.com/ringoffire
For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- www.guruviking.com

Apr 2, 2021 • 2h 32min
Ep89: Dzogchen, Hypnosis, & Psychopaths - Dr Ian Wickramasekera & Petra Tauchner
In this episode I host a dialogue between Dr Ian Wickramasekera, Bön Buddhist practitioner and associate professor of Mindfulness Based Transpersonal Counselling at Naropa University, and Petra Tauchner, a student at the University of Vienna with a degree in microbiology and genetics, whose current batchelor’s thesis in psychology is based on Dr Ian’s ‘Empathic Involvement Theory’ of hypnosis.
In the first part of this interview, Dr Ian gives an overview of the history of the mysteries and theories of hypnosis, lays out his own journey to formulating EIT, and discusses its implications for therapy and enlightenment.
Then, Dr Ian and Petra dialogue about how to increase one’s own hypnotisability, why empathy does not guarantee pro-social outcomes, and the very particular empathy skills of psychopaths - including a case review of Dr Ian’s own psychopathic client.
Dr Ian also recounts his own experiences practicing Dzogchen, meeting spiritual gurus, and taking ayahuasca, while Petra reveals her own passion for first hand research, including a life-changing 21 day water fast undertaken to reset her dopamine system.
…
Video version at https://www.guruviking.com/ep89-dr-ian-wickramasekera-petra-tauchner-dzogchen-hypnosis-psychopaths/
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
…
Topics Include:
0:00 - Intro
01:12 - What is EIT?
04:43 - How Ian began to suspect a connection between empathy and hypnotisability
08:12 - A summary of the main theories of hypnosis
13:23 - Trance states in client centred therapy
19:19 - Empathy-induced hypnosis and correlations with absorption
29:26- Studying transference and the Self
34:40 - Reconciling the two main theories of hypnosis
42:50 - ‘Real’ experience and the default mode network
48:10 - Clinical application of hypnosis for chronic pain
1:08:48 - EIT Summary
01:11:55 - Petra’s research interests and first set of questions
1:12:31 - Does Scacchia and De Pescalis (2020) challenge EIT?
1:16:32 - 4 different kinds of empathy
1:26:51 - Do psychopaths have empathy?
1:27:42 -Dr Ian’s first client was a psychopath
1:30:55 - Empathy is not compassion
1:34:22 - The case of the Hillside Strangler
1:42:10 - Rethinking empathy measurement techniques
1:44:26 - How to increase your hypnotisability
1:52:26 - Gurus & ayahuasca
1:55:26 - Measuring enlightenment
2:04:53 - Practicing Dzogchen
2:14:14 - Petra’s 21 day water fast
1:16:35 - Ian’s take on detox, Tummo diets, and the ayahuasca dieta
2:22:12 - Why did Petra undertake a 21 day water fast?
02:24:14 - The importance of first hand research
02:29:43 - Ian encourages Petra’s research
02:31:00 - Petra’s reflections
…
Previous episodes with Dr Ian Wickramasekera:
- https://www.guruviking.com/ep61-dr-ian-wickramasekera-devolving-the-self/
- https://www.guruviking.com/ep67-dr-ian-wickramasekera-tummo-hypnosis-realising-rigpa/
- https://www.guruviking.com/ep74-dr-ian-wickramasekera-gurus-hypnosis-toxic-devotion/
- https://www.guruviking.com/ep79-dr-ian-wickramasekera-agony-into-bliss-facing-covid-with-dzogchen/
To find our more about Dr Ian Wickramasekera, visit:
- https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ian_Wickramasekera2
- https://www.naropa.edu/faculty/ian-wickramasekera.php
For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

Mar 26, 2021 • 2h 16min
Ep88 Saints and Psychopaths - Har-Prakash Khalsa
In this episode I am joined by Har-Prakash Khalsa, artist, meditation teacher, and founder of the Expand Contract Youtube Channel, which hosts the video teachings of Shinzen Young.
Har-Prakash discusses his early life, including ten years of heavy drug use, near death experiences in the Andes and India, and a life changing encounter with Yogi Bhajan’s Kundalini Yoga.
We learn of Har-Prakash’s research into Yogi Bhajan’s questionable historical claims, and how Har-Prakash reconciled his own practice and teaching with the many allegations of abuse made against his once guru.
Har-Prakash discusses his decades of study with Shinzen Young, and shares more thoughts on spiritual scandals when recounting his own time with Joshu Sasaki Roshi.
Then, an accomplished interviewer himself, Har-Prakash gives me a set of 12 questions to ask him.
Har-Prakash reveals that these are the questions he has often wished I would ask my guests, and gamely submits to answering them himself.
They cover topics such as stream entry, enlightenment, suffering, the self, and more.
…
Video version available at: https://www.guruviking.com/ep88-har-prakash-khalsa-saints-and-psychopaths/
This podcast is also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
…
Topics Include:
0:00 - Intro
1:10 - Early interest in meditation
03:04 - Childhood altered experiences
05:10 - Near death experience in India
08:11 - Lost in the Andes jungle and coming to a realisation
13:20 - 10 years of heavy drug use and finding kundalini yoga
20:24 - Teaching kundalini yoga in jail after 3 months practice
26:50 - Meeting Yogi Bhajan
27:48 - Allegations against Yogi Bhajan
32:10 - Criticisms of kundalini yoga’s origin story
35:14 - Reconciling with the allegations against and criticisms of Yogi Bhajan
40:57 - Why did Yogi Bhajan fabricate so much of his history and system?
45:40 - Saints and Psychopaths
48:04 - Meeting Shinzen Young
52:03 - Studying with Shinzen for 20 years and founding a Youtube channel
59:29 - Personal experiences of Shinzen
1:04:50 - Powerful experiences with Joshu Sasaki Roshi
1:07:34 - The prevalence of spiritual scandals among masters
1:10:46 - Har-Prakash’s spiritual curriculum
1:13:57 - Har-Prakash gives Steve a set of questions to ask
1:17:23 - Har-Prakash’s dramatic awakening experience
1:26:20 - Surprises and disappointments after awakening
1:33:10 - Integration of awakening
1:36:09 - How much does Har-Prakash suffer post-awakening?
1:40:13 - Har-Prakash’s current sensory experience
1:42:49 - Current sense of ‘self’
1:48:58 - Changes to craving and aversion
1:56:25 - Har-Prakash’s ‘Fabrication Cycle’
2:02:10 - Qualities and behaviours to improve
2:05:04 - Common misunderstandings about enlightenment
2:06:36 - Har-Prakash’s art
2:09:10 - Har-Prakash on service and legacy
…
To find our more about Har-Prakash Khalsa, visit:
- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC86n5crGjoZK_z0LBhCWUIQ
- https://vimeo.com/hpkmindfulnesstraining
- https://www.facebook.com/groups/shinzenyoungmindfulnesscommunity
For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

Mar 22, 2021 • 55min
Ep87: Tibetan Mantra Healing - Drukmo Gyal Dakini
In this episode I am joined by Drukmo Gyal Dakini, an International singer, recording artist, and practitioner of Tibetan mantra healing.
Drukmo discusses her childhood in Amdo, Tibet, and the early musical and spiritual influences of her family and community.
Drukmo reveals how a chance meeting with the man who would become her root guru, Dr Nida Chenagtsang, kindled a passion for Tibetan medicine and spiritual practice in the Yuthok Nyingthig tradition.
Drukmo talks about her experiences of cultural differences between East and West, the history and power of mantra for healing, the importance of personal practice, and addresses common misconceptions about being the devotee of a guru.
…
Video version available at: https://www.guruviking.com/ep87-drukmo-gyal-dakini-tibetan-mantra-healing/
This podcast is also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
…
Topics Include:
0:00 - Intro
0:48 - Growing up in Amdo, Tibet
05:03 - The role of religion in Drukmo’s upbringing
07:08 - The spiritual guidance of the women in Drukmo’s family
11:43 - How contact with Western views have affected Drukmo’s view of her culture
15:12 - Globalisation and cultural exchange
16:58 - The role of music in Drukmo’s upbringing
18:04 - Taking spiritual chanting from private practice to public performance
21:51 - Dr Nida’s encouragement to perform mantra singing
23:27 - Why Vajrasattva mantra is an essential part of Drukmo’s performance
25:28 - Drukmo’s passion for languages
26:42 - How Dr Nida Chenagtsang became Drukmo’s root guru
28:07 - The results of Drukmo’s first meditation retreat
31:00 - Praise for Dr Nida
32:27 - Misunderstandings about having a guru
37:05 - Drukmo’s focus on compassion
41:45 - Imposing views on others
44:05 - The history and application of mantra healing
47:02 - What is the source of mantra power?
49:42 - The importance of the mantra practitioner’s own practice and attainment
51:45 - Drukmo’s mental state when singing mantra
53:29 - How to find Drukmo’s music and teaching
…
To find our more about Drukmo Gyal, visit:
- https://www.drukmogyal.com/
- https://youtu.be/zl9zwCKyQQk
For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

Mar 19, 2021 • 1h 41min
Ep86: Bliss, Enlightenment, & Fristonian Physics - Shinzen, Chelsey Fasano, & Dr Jay Sanguinetti
In this episode I host part 4 of an ongoing dialogue between Shinzen Young, meditation teacher and neuroscience research consultant, and Chelsey Fasano, a Columbia University neuroscience student.
But now the dialogue has become a trialogue as we have the great pleasure of being joined by Dr Jay Sanguinetti, Assistant Director for the Center for Consciousness Studies and Research Assistant Professor at the University of New Mexico where he directs the NICE Lab (Non-Invasive Cognitive Enhancement Lab) and SEMA, the Sonication Enhanced Mindful Awareness Lab in collaboration with Shinzen.
In this episode we discuss topics such as what is pleasure?, enlightenment as Fristonian free-energy, the relationship between predictive coding and the nature of suffering, bliss and orgasm, Shinzen’s daily mystical experiences, and more.
…
https://www.guruviking.com/ep86-bliss-enlightenment-fristonian-physics-feat-chelsey-fasano-shinzen-young-dr-jay-sanguinetti/
Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
…
Topics Include:
0:00 - Intro
0:58 - Bliss and the symmetry valence hypothesis
4:18 - What is pleasure?
9:47 - What is the Quaila Research Institute?
11:41 - Symmetry and facial attractiveness
14:51 - Averaging, integration, and prediction
15:40 - Continuous orgasm, Sensory saturation, turning towards
20:33 - Harmonics, gamma, and global processing
31:07 - Trained improvement vs primordial completeness
34:56 - Shinzen’s experience when walking
39:29 - Jay’s experience after a 15 week meditation course
46:03 - Approach motivation without negative valence
47:37 - The birth of the pleasure god, Kama, and learned helplessness
50:38 - Shinzen’s Fristonian free-energy pleasure hypothesis
59:56 - Could predictive coding theory explain the nature of suffering?
1:03:42 - Jay analyses Shinzen’s experience
1:05:06 - Is enlightenment free-energy?
1:06:33 - What the brain expects influences what the eye sees
1:09:49 - Shinzen’s experience after meditation and ultrasound experiments
1:13:09 -Chelsey reflects on her enjoyment of Shinzen
1:14:44 - Enlightenment as stabilising dynamic states vs fixed states
1:18:02 - Spiritual integration as pleasure-mode transfer and reconfiguring of top-down processing
1:19:53 - Changing the geometry of conscious experience
1:21:55 - Jay’s intuition about the big questions in contemplative brain science
1:23:57 - Shinzen’s take on Fristonian physics
1:27:55 - Jay’s advice and comments on the philosophy of science
1:29:40 - What Chelsey loves about scientists
1:31:19 - More on Jay’s philosophy of science
1:32:45 - Shinzen on American math education
1:35:03 - Applying higher dimensional abstract algebra to Fristonian physics
1:36:52 - The cliffhanger of the Hegelian taco
...
Previous episodes with Shinzen and Chelsey:
- https://www.guruviking.com/ep72-shinzen-young-and-chelsey-fasano-tantra-neuroscience-and-true-enlightenment/
- https://www.guruviking.com/ep76-shinzen-young-chelsey-fasano-2-the-science-of-enlightenment/
- https://www.guruviking.com/ep81-shinzen-young-chelsey-fasano-3-orgasm-epilepsy-mystical-experience/
Previous Interview with Shinzen Young:
- https://www.guruviking.com/ep37-shinzen-young-pandemic-edition-guru-viking-podcast/
...
To find out more about Shinzen, visit:
- www.shinzen.org
To find out more about Chelsey, visit:
- www.chelseyfasano.com
To find our more about Dr Sanguinetti, visit:
- https://www.jaysanguinetti.com/
...
For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

Mar 12, 2021 • 2h 23min
Ep85: Finding Our Sons’ Reincarnations - Wendy and Ronnie Barry
In this episode, I am joined by Wendy and Ronnie Barry who discuss their quest to find the reincarnations of their two sons who, in 1997, died in a car crash.
Upon learning of the deaths of their sons, Andy and Bobby, the Barrys immediately turned to the Tibetan Book of the Dead, and entered the world of the supernatural as they followed the instructions within to guide their sons through the after-death realms.
The Barrys then vowed to find their sons next lives. Embarking on an international search and recruiting the aid and support of high Lamas, tulkus, seers, channellers and more.
Wendy and Ronnie also reveal their plan for their next lives, and discuss their history as prominent members of the Brotherhood of the Eternal Love.
…
Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep85-wendy-and-ronnie-barry-finding-our-sons-reincarnations/
Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
…
0:00 - Intro
0:53 - Brotherhood of the Eternal Love
08:28 - LSD and the bardos
16:49 - The deaths of Bobby and Andy, Wendy and Ronnie’s sons
21:25 - Visiting the scene of the crash
26:15 - Using the Tibetan Book of the Dead to help their sons
30:06 - A special family connection and the boys’ personalities
35:10 - Resolving to find the reincarnations of Bobby and Andy
36:51 - Friends’ dreams of Bobby and Andy
39:06 - Was there criticism of Wendy and Ronnie’s search?
42:11 - Experiences reading the Bardo Thodol for the 49 days of the boys’ bardo
45:38 - Beginning the search and consulting psychics, seers, and channellers
48:57 - Encountering a corrupt Tibetan Lama
55:09 - Meeting Khamtrul Rinpoche and falling in love with Tibetan Buddhism
1:00:49 - Joining Rigpa and deepening study
1:05:14 - Receiving a divination from Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche
1:09:09 - Beginning a significant relationship with Lama Samten
1:10:33 - Receiving a divination from Lama Dawa
1:12:16 - Finding Bobby’s reincarnation, Kelsey
1:19:36 - Kelsey’s parents’ reaction
1:23:09 - Interest in Tibetan culture
1:24:54 - Support from and friendship with Lama Samten
1:27:13 - Meeting Drubwang Konchok Norbu Rinpoche
1:30:09 - Landing in India and meeting their guide, Jangchub
1:34:40 - The importance of discretion in the search
1:36:06 - Receiving Vajrasattva empowerment to clear obscurations
1:37:38 - Unsuccessful first trip and meeting Ringu Tulku
1:41:54 - Another divination from Lama Dawa and a second India trip
1:44:11 - Powerful Vajrasattva experience of spiders, scorpions, and wasps
1:51:26 - Ronnie’s dream of divination
1:54:27 - Finding Tenpa
02:04:57 - India and meeting karma
02:06:48 - How did Kelsey and Tenpa view things are they grew up?
02:16:15 - Wendy and Ronnie’s plan for their next lives
02:19:47 - How to get the book and European book distribution
…
To find out more about Wendy and Ronnie Barry, visit:
- https://reincarnationstory.website/index.html
For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

Mar 5, 2021 • 2h 1min
Ep84: Hitchhiking in Samsara - Lama David Curtis
In this episode, I am joined by David Curtis, a Lama in the Shangpa-Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism and founder of the Tibetan Language Institute.
David reveals how a radically transformative experience of LSD led to his leaving a career in military intelligence to dedicate himself to spiritual exploration
We discuss David’s love for classical languages, the Western canon, and why conversion to Buddhism often includes a rejection of Western civilisation.
David tells of hitchhiking across Europe, entering a 3-year retreat under the direction of famous meditation master Kalu Rinpoche, and recounts his powerful experiences there practicing the 6 Yogas of Naropa.
…
Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep84-lama-david-curtis-hitchhiking-in-samsara/
Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
…
0:00 - Intro
0:46 - Studying philosophy and meeting the Dalai Lama
8:55 - Vietnam, military intelligence, and a transformative experience with LSD
14:44 - David’s extensive LSD explorations
20:09 - What would David’s life have been like without LSD?
21:47 - Falling in love with the Greek Classics
25:02 - Why many American Buddhist converts rejected Western civilisation
30:39 - Beat Zen, Square Zen and religious conversion
39:09 - David’s advice for reading the Western canon
42:00 - ‘Hitchhiking in Samsara’, David’s way of life
58:00 - Stories from David’s 3-year retreat
1:11:49 - Love, wisdom, and power
1:16:10 - Archetypes and reification
1:28:27 - David’s significant intuitive and dream experiences
1:38:51 - Powerful experiences with the 6 Yogas of Naropa
1:44:50 - Out of body experiences with illusory body yoga
1:47:46 - The value of experiences on the spiritual path
1:55:12 - Final anecdote about entering the 3-year retreat
…
To find out more about Lama David Curtis, visit:
- http://www.bigskymindmontana.org/
- http://www.tibetanlanguage.org/
For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

Feb 26, 2021 • 2h 49min
Ep83: Is There Magic In The Dharma? - Daniel Ingram and Dhammarato
In this episode I host a dialogue between Daniel Ingram and Dhammarato on the question ‘Is there magic in the Dharma?’.
Daniel Ingram is a contemporary Buddhist author who controversially declared himself to be an Arhat, one of the highest spiritual attainments in Buddhism, challenging cultural taboos against disclosing one’s enlightenment.
Dhammarato is a lineage teacher in the Thai Buddhist tradition, a student of the famous meditation master Bikkhu Buddhadasa, and is known for his unique, 1-1 teaching style conducted over Skype.
In this episode Daniel and Dhammarato discuss the pros and cons of magical experiences, how to develop siddhis and their dangers, and whether these topics should even be discussed in public.
They debate the differences between their own teaching approaches, as well as the approaches of the Burmese and Thai meditation methods, and the importance of a close relationship with a teacher.
Daniel and Dhammarato also acknowledge each other, decrypt the ways in which they signal recognition of others’ spiritual attainments, and explain how to recognise enlightened teachers.
…
www.guruviking.com
Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
…
Topics Include:
0:00 - Intro
1:44 - Structure of the episode
2:09 - Daniel’s opening address
12:34 - Dharmmarato’s opening address
26:56 - The pros and cons of magical experiences
35:15 - Anapanasati and developing sukkha
38:39 - Slow and hard path or fast and easy path?
43:30 - Different paths to enlightenment
48:41 - Does magic exist?
52:56 - Is there any value in cultivating siddhis?
58:26 - Should we talk about siddhis and magic?
1:12:43 - Moving from Right Dhamma to Supramundane Dhamma
1:18:50 - Misconceptions about the Mahasi method
1:23:30 - How to recognise Noble Ones and the dangers of siddhis
1:36:32 - The cat is out of the bag
1:39:50 - Mage vs sage
1:47:26 - Close relationship with a teacher
1:52:41 - Mass teaching vs 1-1 teaching
1:55:55 - A mature spiritual culture and the dynamics of Asian temples
2:19:24 - Daniel and Dhammarato recognise each other
2:22:04 - Ajahn Po the arhat
2:30:00 - Gender equality in the sangha and Thai culture
2:44:48 - Dhammarato’s closing address
2:47:06 - Daniel’s closing address
…
Daniel Ingram Episode Playlist
- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlkzlKFgdkny_MJSecHyvKHPpvxTskBAC
Dhammarato Episode Playlist
- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlkzlKFgdknyGISEfksirYaYpsrXdf8va
…
To find out more about Daniel, visit:
- integrateddaniel.info
- firekasina.org
- https://theeprc.org/
To find out more about Dhammarato, visit:
- https://dhammaratoblog.wordpress.com/
- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjxg5GJFsRqnS-YLTzyrjLQ
For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James